Another spring means another chance to get excited about the Weatherford College Coyotes softball season.
And if history is any indication, that excitement is justified.
The Coyotes return plenty of talent from last season’s 34-21 team that finished third in the Region V-North Tournament, which they also hosted for the first time at Stuart Field.
“I am really excited about this team. They are a talented, hardworking, fun group to get to coach,” Head Coach Haylee Williams said. “Our conference is going to be even more tough 1-through-9 this season, so there is definitely a challenge in front of us, but I think we have a team that is up for the challenge. We have committed to doing the small things and fundamentals at a high level every day, which I think will serve us well.”
Williams knows a thing or two about getting the most out of her players. Since she became the head coach in 2013, she has led the Coyotes to a 269-110 record, including six postseason appearances, two conference championships and a national tournament berth.
Key returners include All-Northern Texas Junior College Athletic Conference selection Stephanie Jimenez (.418 average, 9 home runs, 59 hits, 51 RBI, .465 on-base percentage, .681 slugging), Kristen Kamnick (13 home runs, 34 RBI, 28 walks, 9-9 stolen bases, .443 on-base percentage) and pitcher Natalie Trujillo (9-5, 3.19 ERA, 1 save, 81 strikeouts, 125 innings).
“Kristen is a returning first baseman with a big stick. Stephanie is a returning third baseman with a big stick as well,” Williams said. “Natalie is our only returning pitcher, and her experience is a huge asset for our pitching staff as she does a good job of sharing her knowledge with the freshmen on what to expect.
“Everyone got better in the fall, which is the overall goal. We played a very tough fall schedule, which helped us advance our level of play. This roster is talented, so every day each player is competing for their position. There isn’t one person who stands out in terms of growth because they all grew together.”
A couple of key additions are Brooke Araujo, a sophomore transfer from California who played for the Mexico Junior National Team, along with freshman Mackenzie Egan from Canada, who played for the Canadian Junior National Team.
“Our pitching staff is definitely one of our strengths,” Williams said. “We have four good arms, and they are all different. We should play very good defense behind those arms as well.”
As for intangibles, which are always important, Williams said, “This group is competitive, and they want to work. I am hoping that turns into a lot of grit, because you need that mentality and toughness to make it through and out of our region. I think they want each other to succeed and be successful as a group. They understand what we are trying to do here.”
The chemistry, another important factor, is also meshing well, she said.
“These kids are fun and full of life and personality. They are always ribbing each other, dancing, making videos, and laughing - a lot,” Williams said. “They get along well, but also hold each other accountable on and off the field, which is what being a part of a team is all about. I think their chemistry and willingness to work together make each other better, and lifting one another up will only make us stronger.”
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by Rick Mauch